Farmer loan waiver not sufficient: Sharad Pawar

Speaking to mediapersons, Pawar demanded that those farmers who have more than Rs 1.5 lakh loan should be given the chance to settle the loan in two or more instalments.

Pune: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar has said that the current farm loan waiver declared by the Maharashtra government was not sufficient, nonetheless it was the first step in the ‘right direction’.

“NCP will support Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on loan waiver issue and will keep pushing other demands,” he said.

Speaking to mediapersons, Pawar demanded that those farmers who have more than Rs 1.5 lakh loan should be given the chance to settle the loan in two or more instalments.

He said, “There is a strong reaction coming in from those who are regular in paying their farm loans and we have asked the government to increase the subsidy of Rs 50,000 to such farmers, as the present subsidy is only Rs 25,000.”

Pawar also said that to avoid such situations in future, the government needs to execute the recommendations of Swaminathan Committee and ensure that the farmers get good rates for their produce. He also demanded appointment of a commission of agricultural cost and prices which has not been appointed for last three years.

Speaking about demonetisation Pawar said that though the government has decided to accept the demonetised notes from cooperative banks, there is no proper notification issued, as a result RBI is not accepting old notes.

'Surprised over nomination’
The NCP leader expressed surprise over the BJP not selecting Lal Krishna Advani or Murali Manohar Joshi as its candidate for the President’s post. He said, “By considering their contribution and experience, it was expected that BJP would nominate them.” In the past, the BJP used to contest the election for President’s post every time and therefore it cannot expect unopposed poll, he said.